FAQ about Volunteering at the Library
| Application for Volunteer Service (PDF) |
Our library not only serves the blind and disabled community in Utah and Wyoming, but also those who qualify from across the United States. Because we provide materials throughout the U.S., volunteers help provide services that touch thousands of lives.
Your volunteer experience is appropriate to include on applications for employment. Bus fare and other expenses associated with your volunteer role may be deductible on your income tax. Check with your tax advisor.
A recognition event to honor volunteers is scheduled annually, sponsored by the library. This is an opportunity for the volunteers to meet one another, as well as to recognize the outstanding work accomplished by the volunteers.
Information on each of the activities we specificially need volunteers for is listed below. If you do not find an opportunity of interest, you can contact our Volunteer Coordinator, who may be able to find another opportunity that is better suited to your interests.
This service is particularly appreciated by patrons because it ensures that patrons will be able to complete their reading of a book without any "technical difficulties." Volunteers check all outgoing cassette books for rewinding, repair and correct tape order. Click here for a full description.
Recordings of locally published books are available to those living in any state of the U.S. This creates a particular need for readers of these local books.Books are recorded digitally in our studio recording rooms and are typically LDS or of local interest. Click here for a full description.
The volunteer reviewer listens to the book recordings to ensure that the artistic and technical quality meets established standards. The reviewer is a full participant in the quality assurance procedures of recording production. Click here for a full descrition.
The Library for the Blind is in need of volunteers to repair machines in Salt Lake and St. George. Volunteers are provided with a specially equipped work area where they inspect and repair all record and cassette players and radio receivers. Click here for a full description.
Radio Reading Service Narrators
The Utah Radio Reading Service is produced at the Library for the Blind and Disabled and is broadcast to patrons through a specially tuned radio. Each day selected articles are read from the Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News, and the Ogden Standard Examiner. Volunteers also read selected articles from other sources such as magazines and other publications. Click here for a full description.
Previous experience in working with people who are visually impaired or disabled is not required; simply a willingness to get involved! Experience in any of our volunteer areas is helpful but not essential. We work to match a volunteer's abilities and interests with the needs of the library and its users. If you have any questions about how you can get involved, please contact our volunteer coordinator.
The Library for the Blind and Disabled is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 PM, and volunteers need to be available during those hours.
Volunteers should notify the Volunteer Coordinator in advance if they are unable to be to their volunteer assignment at the scheduled time.
How do I sign up to be a volunteer?
An application form can be filled out faxed, mailed or emailed to our volunteer coordinator. Some volunteers may be required go through an audition process. Please direct all volunteer communication to:
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James Shulfer
Volunteer Coordinator
Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled
250 North 1950 West Suite A
Salt Lake City UT 84116-7901
Telephone: (801) 715-6791
Fax: (801) 715-6767
E-mail:jshulfer@utah.gov